Why the first care plan is the most important
Nurses and Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) working in primary health care assist GPs to manage their patient’s chronic conditions every day. The patient will usually
After weeks of talking about the new GP chronic condition management items, it’s almost surprising to remember there are other topics out there. Let’s give skin checks some well-deserved attention.
Have you had your skin checked lately? In Australia, it’s almost a rite of passage, but one that could save your life.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia; in fact, around two-thirds of us can expect a diagnosis during our lifetime. The good news is that treatment is often successful, and prevention and early detection can be built into routine primary care.
While there’s currently no national screening program, primary care teams are well placed to ensure skin checks and education are accessible. Checks can be performed opportunistically or scheduled when time allows. Even brief conversations during health assessments or while preparing or reviewing a chronic condition management plan can make a difference.
There is often significant focus on risk factors for common chronic conditions such as COPD, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease but some of these same factors, such as age, family history, and environmental exposures, also contribute to skin cancer risk. Think about the last patient you saw for a diabetes review. Did you ask if they’d noticed any new spots or changes on their skin?
A few quick clicks using the Melanoma Institute Australia Risk Prediction Tool can help patients understand their personal risk of developing a primary invasive melanoma.
Understanding risk is just the first step. Primary care providers can help patients turn that knowledge into action through health promotion, goal setting, and practical prevention strategies. Even small additions, like a quick sun safety chat or a reminder to check moles at home, can help normalise skin health as part of chronic care. Embedding sun safety education and self-check prompts into routine visits supports a more proactive, whole-person approach to care.
Integrating skin health into GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (GPCCMPs) can help high-risk patients set goals around sun protection, reducing environmental exposure, and scheduling regular skin checks. Including these goals also supports clinicians to provide current education and stay aligned with specialist recommendations when needed.
While the incidence of melanoma is lower in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, it remains a harmful myth that people with darker skin are not at risk. With varying skin tones across communities, culturally appropriate education remains essential. Everyone in Australia is at risk due to the high levels of UV. The Our Mob and Cancer website includes a helpful Sun Protection information page tailored to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Every small conversation about sun safety or self-checks helps raise awareness and encourages patients to take their skin health seriously. It is another practical way primary care contributes to earlier detection and better patient outcomes.
Here are some helpful links you can share with patients or use in your clinic:
The CDM Plus Skin Check Health Promotion Box is also a great way to support these conversations in your clinic. With posters, visual aids, and take-home resources, the box helps prompt patients to consider their own skin health, encourages sun safety, and promotes early detection. It’s a simple but powerful addition to your prevention and chronic disease activities.
Helpful Links and Sources:
https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-melanoma-cancer-booklet
https://www.cancer.org.au/health-professionals/resources
https://www.melanomarisk.org.au/FirstMelLand
https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/screening/checking-for-skin-cancer/
Nurses and Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) working in primary health care assist GPs to manage their patient’s chronic conditions every day. The patient will usually
Jane Calligeros, CEO CDM Plus Don’t you wish that everyone in your practice was on the same page when it comes to Chronic Disease Management?
CDM Plus attended the NACCHO Members Conference “Investing in What Works” in Brisbane November 2018. NACCHO is the national peak body representing 145 Aboriginal Community
This activity has been endorsed by APNA according to approved quality standards criteria. Completion of this educational activity entitles eligible participants to claim 6 CPD hours per workshop day.
10% DISCOUNT for FIRST TIME customers on purchases (excludes shipping fee).
You’ll officially be in loop for NEW arrivals,
EXCLUSIVE sales and MORE.
